Resumen: Phosphite (H2PO3-; Phi) has been shown to
increase fruit quality and activate plant defense mechanisms in plants when
provided in a nutrient state with sufficient phosphorous. In this study, five solutions
containing different percentages of Phi (0, 20, 30, 40 and 50%) in Steiner's
solution were evaluated during the flowering and fructification stages; the
Steiner's nutrient solution was kept al 50% during the flowering stage and at
75% from the beginning of the fructification stage on. The objective was to
determine the effects of phosphite on total P concentration in leaves, yield,
pH, electrical conductivity (EC), anthocyanin concentration, and fruit size of strawberries
(cv. Festival). The experiments were performed in a tunnel-type greenhouse
using drip irrigation and volcanic rock (volcanic gravel) as substrate. In the
fruit development phase, the concentration of P in the leaves was proportional
to the level of Phi used. Although no significant differences were observed
when compared to the control, the addition of 20% Phi slightly improved yield
and fruit size. The highest pH, EC and anthocyanin concentration were
identified in the fruit of plants treated with 30% Phi. Our findings suggest
that supplying Phi at 30% or less in the nutrient solution does not significantly
affect yield but does affect fruit quality and activates plant defense
mechanisms by producing a higher concentration of anthocyanins.

Resumen: In this paper we propose two bootstrap goodness
of fit tests for the log-gamma distribution with three parameters, location,
scale and shape. These tests are built using the properties of this
distribution family and are based on the sample correlation coefficient which
has the property of invariance with respect to location and scale transformations.
Two estimators are proposed for the shape parameter and show that both are
asymptotically unbiased and consistent in mean-squared error. The test size and
power is estimated by simulation. The power of the two proposed tests against
several alternative distributions is compared to that of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov,
Anderson-Darling, and chi-square tests. Finally, an application to data from a
production process of carbon fibers is presented.

Abstract: Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a crop
used to produce oil and has generated interest to obtain alternative fuels to
oil. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for
the metliartolysis reaction of crude palm oil (ACP), to synthesize biodiesel in
laboratory conditions. A central composite rotatable design and response
surface methodology were used to evaluate the efficiency of the process. The
variables studied were methanol concentration (between 40 and 100 cYo p/p),
catalyst concentration (2-4 % w/w), reaction time (4060 min) and reaction
temperature (50-66 C). Methanol and catalyst concentrations and reaction time
showed a significant effect. The optimal conditions for the synthesis of palm
biodiesel were: methanol concentration 55 % (w/w) catalyst 2 % (w/w), reaction
time 135 min and 54 C as reaction temperature. With these conditions the yield
was 80.65 % of biodiesel with ACP, in laboratory, with low energy consumption
and short reaction time, which would reduce production and operating costs.

Abstract: Nursery fertilization is a cultural practice
used to modify the morphological characteristics affecting plant quality
indices. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nursery fertilization
in growth, morphology, biomass allocation and nutrient status in Abies
religiosa plants. There were four levels of fertilization (r_(50), T-Base,
T-+/- 50 and T+100) starting from the dose used in nursery (TB), with a
completely randomized design with four experimental units, each with 900
plants. The unexpected presence of frost damage in the terminal bud of some
plants allowed comparing the response to fertilization of plants with and
without damage. For seven months after fertilization height and basal diameter
was measured in a random sample of five seedlings with and without damage per
experimental unit. At the end of the production cycle biomass and nutrient
content of aerial and underground of the plant components were quantified. Fertilization
and condition of the bud had a significant effect (p 0.05) on the size, relative
growth rate, biomass allocation and nutrient concentration, but without
significant interaction between them. Plants with T_(50) had 15 % lower height
but allocated 36.2 % more biomass to root than with TB"se" The root
nutrient concentrations (N, P, and K), stem (P) and leaves (N) was 5.5 to 41.3
% higher with T+50 and T+100, than with T-50. The bud damage caused plants with
lower height (5 %), larger diameter (13 %) and higher nutrient concentration
(5.5 % K in root and 28.9 % N in stem) as opposed to undamaged plants in all fertilization
treatments. The decrease of 50 % in the current dose of fertilization of A.
religiosa in nursery favors morphological characteristics related to plant
quality indices.

Referencia bibliográfica:5 of 40

Título: Self-managed
organizations in Irrigation Districts: The Case of San Jacinto Module III in
Irrigation District 017, Durango, Mexico

Autores: Chairez-Araiza, Carlos; Palerm-Viqueira, Jacinta

Revista: Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua, 4 (4):19-46; SEP-OCT 2013

URL:

Resumen: The present study documents the presence of
self-managed spaces beginning when the Mexican State first became involved
water management, through its expansion and the subsequent elimination of Water
Boards and, finally, the return of management to the users. It also documents a
case study of small irrigation systems in Module III, Irrigation District 017
(ID 017) to show that the users had continued self-managed organizations before
and after the transfer of management. The results were obtained through a
review of documents, interviews and field work. They show that near the end of
the 19th century the Mexican state promoted the creation of an institution of
users to manage the Nazas and Aguanaval Rivers irrigation system, but shortly thereafter
the distribution of water at the river level was left to the Mexican state. During
the 1930s, with the land redistribution resulting from agrarian reforms, the
new users took over the distribution of the water at the level of the
irrigation system. They were organized as Water Boards, and later in the 1960s
the Mexican state centralized the operations of IR 017, eliminating
self-management in some of the spaces while it continued in others. More
recently, the transfer of management did not take into account the existence of
traditional self-managed organizations. Therefore, the San Jacinto module has
attempted to incorporate them into its structure, paying a salary to the representatives
appointed by the users.

Resumen: The effects of Taiwan grass (TW) cutting
interval and partial substitution with duckweed on dry matter intake (DMI), in
vivo DM digestibility (DMD), and digestibility of organic matter (OMD), crude protein
(CPD), neutral (NDFD) and acid detergent fiber (ADFD), as well as on nitrogen
balance, ruminal pH, production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia
nitrogen (NH3-N), was evaluated. For each experimental period (P) of 30 (P1),
45 (P2), and 60 (P3) days of TW grass cutting interval, twelve Pelibuey lambs
were randomly assigned to three groups of four lambs each in a completely
random design. Average weights of lambs were 25.1 +/- 1.5, 27.6 +/- 1.9 and 28.6
+/- 1.8 kg. Lambs were housed in individual metabolic cages, and assigned to
three treatments (n=4): (T1) 100% TW (T2)80% TW+20% DW, and (T3)70% TW+30% DW.
Each experimental period lasted 16 days: 8 days for adaptation to the diet and
8 days for total feces collection and rumen liquor sampling; urine was
collected the last two days. Data were analyzed with MIXED procedure and means
compared with the Tukey test Inclusion of DW decreased DMI (P < 0.01),
whereas DMD, OMD, CPD, and NDFD increased (P < 0.05) as the age of the TW
increased; besides, ADFD showed differences (P < 0.05) among treatments only
in P3. Nitrogen retention improved by DW (P < 0.05) in the three periods,
and pH was affected by periods (P > 0.05) only in P3 (P < 0.05). In the
three periods, 20 and 30% DW increased NH3-N concentration and the acetate:
propionate ratio (P < 0.05), but the VFA proportion did not change.

Resumen: In a transect study involving 15 mature
seasonally dry tropical forests growing on uniform geological substrate in the
Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, we analyzed the influence of a large reduction in
mean annual precipitation (1,036-537 mm year(-1)) on carbon (C) and nitrogen
(N) pools in soils. We investigated the C content in organic soil and in active
fraction pools (organic matter and microbial biomass) and analyzed the
dependence of these pools on precipitation. Carbon (total, inorganic and
organic, and in microbial biomass) and N (total) concentrations in bulk soil
decreased as rainfall increased from < 600 mm year(-1) > 1,000 mm
year(-1). Additionally, in all organic matter fractions, C and N concentrations
generally decreased with greater precipitation. Soil average C mineralization
decreased by 61 % from the wettest to the driest region. Reduced precipitation
during the dry season increased microbial biomass C and water-extractable C concentrations
and decreased the C concentration in organic matter fractions. No other
significant changes were observed between seasons in C concentrations, N
concentrations or C mineralization. Overall, we conclude that physical
(macroclimate) and biological processes are more active in soils in the wettest
region, resulting in a faster turnover of organic matter.

Referencia bibliográfica:8 de 40

Título: Primers
for (1,3)-beta-glucan synthase gene amplification and partial characterization
of the enzyme in Ganoderma lucidum

Resumen: Background: beta-(1,3)(1,6)-D-glucan is fungal
cell wall component that has demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-cancer
effects. The (1,3)-beta-glucan synthase is one of the main enzymes involved in
its biosynthesis. Aims: To design primers to partially amplify and characterize
the (1,3)-beta-glucan synthase gene and to determine them in Ganoderma lucidum
(G. Lucidum) strain CP-132. Methods: The primers were designed on the basis of
homologous genes in other fungi. Then, using the PCR technique, primers were
tested using DNA extracted from the G. lucidum strain CP-382. Amplified
sequences were compared with those from the GenBank. Results: Three primer
pairs were designed; all of them produced amplicons of the expected size. The
sequences obtained with primer pairs BGS2113UmF and BGS3097UmR, and BGS547UmF
and BGS2113UmR matched with 2 sections of the (1,3)-beta-glucan synthase gene.
The deduced amino acid sequences showed high similarity with homologous genes
from other fungi, particularly with those of the Agaricomycetes class. Conclusions:
The primer design to partially amplify the (1,3)-beta-glucan synthase gene of
G. lucidum using sequences from homologous genes was successful. These primers
will allow to characterize this important enzyme in a wide group of fungi.

Resumen: The strategy of bulk DNA sampling has been a
valuable method for studying large numbers of individuals through genetic markers.
The application of this strategy for discrimination among germplasm sources was
analyzed through information theory, considering the case of polymorphic
alleles scored binarily for their presence or absence in DNA pools. We defined
the informativeness of a set of marker loci in bulks as the mutual information
between genotype and population identity, composed by two terms: diversity and
noise. The first term is the entropy of bulk genotypes, whereas the noise term
is measured through the conditional entropy of bulk genotypes given germplasm
sources. Thus, optimizing marker information implies increasing diversity and
reducing noise. Simple formulas were devised to estimate marker information per
allele from a set of estimated allele frequencies across populations. As an
example, they allowed optimization of bulk size for SSR genotyping in maize,
from allele frequencies estimated in a sample of 56 maize populations. It was
found that a sample of 30 plants from a random mating population is adequate for
maize germplasm SSR characterization. We analyzed the use of divided bulks to
overcome the allele dilution problem in DNA pools, and concluded that samples
of 30 plants divided into three bulks of 10 plants are efficient to
characterize maize germplasm sources through SSR with a good control of the
dilution problem. We estimated the informativeness of 30 SSR loci from the estimated
allele frequencies in maize populations, and found a wide variation of marker
informativeness, which positively correlated with the number of alleles per
locus.

Resumen: Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technologies
have proven capacity for delivering large numbers of marker genotypes with
potentially less ascertainment bias than standard single nucleotide
polymorphism (SNP) arrays. Therefore, GBS has become an attractive alternative
technology for genomic selection. However, the use of GBS data poses important challenges,
and the accuracy of genomic prediction using GBS is currently undergoing investigation
in several crops, including maize, wheat, and cassava. The main objective of
this study was to evaluate various methods for incorporating GBS information
and compare them with pedigree models for predicting genetic values of lines
from two maize populations evaluated for different traits measured in different
environments (experiments 1 and 2). Given that GBS data come with a large
percentage of uncalled genotypes, we evaluated methods using nonimputed,
imputed, and GBS-inferred haplotypes of different lengths (short or long). GBS
and pedigree data were incorporated into statistical models using either the
genomic best linear unbiased predictors (GBLUP) or the reproducing kernel
Hilbert spaces (RKHS) regressions, and prediction accuracy was quantified using
cross-validation methods. The following results were found: relative to pedigree
or marker-only models, there were consistent gains in prediction accuracy by
combining pedigree and GBS data; there was increased predictive ability when
using imputed or nonimputed GBS data over inferred haplotype in experiment 1,
or nonimputed GBS and information-based imputed short and long haplotypes, as
compared to the other methods in experiment 2; the level of prediction accuracy
achieved using GBS data in experiment 2 is comparable to those reported by previous
authors who analyzed this data set using SNP arrays; and GBLUP and RKHS models
with pedigree with nonimputed and imputed GBS data provided the best prediction
correlations for the three traits in experiment 1, whereas for experiment 2
RKHS provided slightly better prediction than GBLUP for drought-stressed
environments, and both models provided similar predictions in well-watered
environments.

Resumen: Background and Aims. Quorum sensing (QS) is a
process of bacterial cell-cell communication that controls a large number of
systems affecting pathogenicity. Interrupting this communication system can provide
nonvirulent pathogenic bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) potential of an anacardic acids mixture isolated
from Amphipterygium adstringens, a medicinal plant known as
"cuachalalate", to prevent the onset of bacterial infections as an
alternate to antibiotics. Methods. Initially we investigated the anti-QS
activity of A. adstringens hexane extract (HE) by the inhibition of violacein production
in Chromobacterium violaceum. From the active HE, an anacardic acid mixture
(AAM) was obtained. The anti-quorum sensing activity of AAM was investigated by
the rhamnolipid and pyocyanin production constraint as well as decrease of
elastase activity, all being quorum sensing-controlled virulence factors
expressed in the pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results. HE
induced a 91.6% of inhibition of the violecin production at 55 mu g/mL
concentration, whereas AAM showed 94% of inhibition at 166 mu g/mL. In both
cases, inhibition of violacein production did not affect the viability of the
bacterium. AAM inhibited pyocyanin (86% at 200 mu g/mL) and rhamnolipid (91% at
500 mu g/mL) production in a dose/response form and decrease the elastase (75%
at 500 mu g/mL) activity in P. aeruginosa without affecting its development. Conclusions.
Because an anacardic acids mixture isolated from A. adstringens demonstrated
anti-QS, it could be further exploited for novel molecules to treat the
emerging infections of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens.

Referencia bibliográfica:12 de 40

Título: First
report in Mexico of Penicillium brevicompactum causing corm rot of gladiolus
grandiflorus in storage.

Resumen: A disease causing corm rot of gladiolus in
storage was studied in San Martin Texmelucan, Puebla (Mexico) in 2011. Stored
corms with rot symptoms were collected and disinfected superficially with 1.5%
sodium hypochlorite for 3 min, rinsed three times in sterile water and placed
in potato carrot agar plates at 21°C for eight days under continuous black
light (40W). The fungus commonly isolated from diseased gladiolus corms
differed from those currently known to occur in this crop in Mexico
(González-Pérez et al., 2009) and was identified as Penicillium brevicompactum
Dierckx according to Frisvad and Samson (2004). Successful isolation was
obtained from 25% of 640 analyzed corms. Experiments for fulfilling Koch’s postulates
were carried out under aseptic conditions using disinfested healthy corms. The
corms (wounded or not) were inoculated with a conidial suspension of 11.6x108
conidia ml-1. Controls were inoculated with only distilled sterile water. Corm
rot symptoms were evaluated 30 days post inoculation. P. brevicompactum caused
moderate rot in inoculated corms, whereas the controls remained healthy. P.
brevicompactum was re-isolated from the margins of lesions developed on
inoculated corms. The morphological identification was confirmed by DNA
sequence data of the ß-tubulin gene (GenBank accession No. FJ012879). This
finding represents the first record of this pathogenic species associated with
corm rot of gladiolus in Mexico.

Referencia bibliográfica: 13 de 40

Título: Determination of the jaguar (Panthera onca) and puma (Puma
concolor) diet in a tropical forest in San Luis Potosí, México

Resumen: Jaguar and puma faeces (N=30) were collected
in an area of 75 km(2) in the tropical forest of Tamasopo in San Luis Potosi. A
dot-blot assay was developed with DNA from scats in order to differentiate
between jaguar and puma. This assay employed a probe recognising cytochrome b
of puma. A total of 14 prey species were found, of which 7 were used by both felids.
Jaguar and puma diets in this study showed an overlap of 93.38% where collared
peccary was the main prey consumed by both felids (jaguar 39.64% and puma
45.76%). White-tailed deer was also present in the diets of both felids, with a
similar biomass consumed (jaguar 7.64% and puma 5.88%). Brocket deer and
domestic goat appeared only in the puma's diet. With the exception of some
remains from a lizard in the jaguar's diet, the rest of the prey species were
comprised of medium-sized prey (1-15 kg), with the common opossum and raccoon
found for both felids. A method is presented to estimate the number of
individuals consumed based on energy requirements. The overlap suggests an
important competition between these species.

Referencia bibliográfica:14 de 40

Título: Microbiological
quality of water obtained from atmospheric condensation in Tlaxcala, Hidalgo
and Mexico city.

Abstract: The availability of drinking water in quantity
and quality is a serious problem in the world. Today there are techniques to
obtain water from the air and mitigate this situation. However, knowing the
microbiological quality of water from the atmosphere is relevant, because of
the risk associated with the ingestion of water contaminated with bacteria from
the feces of humans and animals. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of these
microorganisms requires specialized laboratories and represents several days of
analysis and high costs. The objective of this investigation consisted on
evaluating the number of total coliforms and fecal colonies found in condensed
atmospheric water by using rapid tests. The study was conducted in three areas:
San Felipe Hidalgo, Tlaxcala; Huichapan, Hidalgo; and Mexico City. In each
site, 9 day samples and 9 night samples with three replications were taken in
two seasons August-September, 2011 and December-January, 2011-2012. Water was
captured with a prototype apparatus named higroiman, which decreases the
contact surface temperature in order to induce the dew point and to condense
the moisture from the atmosphere. It was applied a mean test (Tukey, P <
0.05) to the obtained results and these were compared with the permissible
limits of drinking water according to World Health Organization. Mexico City
had the highest number of total coliforms colonies and Escherichia coli in the
two samples. Whereas Huichapan, Hidalgo presented the lowest number of total
coliforms and fecal colonies. Atmospheric water at the three mentioned sites is
not considered potable without treatment.

Referencia bibliográfica: 15 de 40

Título: Stomatal
and non-stomatal limitations of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants under
water stress and re-watering: Delayed restoration of photosynthesis during
recovery

Resumen: Low soil water availability is the major
environmental factor limiting plant growth and yield. The objective of this
study was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying photosynthesis inhibition
during water stress and recovery in Capsicum annuum L cv. Cannon by evaluating
soil and plant water relations, gas exchange and the prompt fluorescence rise
OJIP. The soil (psi(S)) and leaf (psi(L)) water potential decreased from -0.16
and -0.53 to -1.1 and -1.7 MPa, respectively, and recovered after re-watering.
The stomatal conductance (gs) decreased to 114 and 13 mmolm(-2) s(-1) under moderate and severe water
stress, respectively. Similarly, the CO2 assimilation (A) and transpiration
(Tr) rates decreased during water stress but recovered after re-watering.
During severe water stress, photosynthesis decreased due to stomatal closure and
to both slower maximum carboxylation rate (V-cmax) and ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate
(RuBP) regeneration capacity mediated by maximum electron transport rate
J(max)). In fact, the fluorescence parameters reflecting the electron flow from
the intersystem carriers to final reduction of photosystem I (PSI) end electron
acceptors declined throughout water deficit development. In conclusion, water
stress mainly damaged the electron transfer from the plastoquinone (PQ) pool to
the PSI terminal acceptors; this, along with constraints to both stomata (and
non-stomatal components of photosynthesis, limited carbon assimilation.
Photosynthesis recovery after re-watering was mainly restricted by both
stomatal conductance and the gradual recovery of the electron transport chain.
Finally, JIP-test parameters that quantifying electron transfer from the PQ
pool to the PSI end acceptors are effectives for monitoring water stress in
crop plants.

Resumen: The effects of two sources of slow-release
urea (SRU) with a source of soluble carbohydrates on ruminal fermentation in
lambs fed with a low-quality forage hay were evaluated. Optigen is a commercial
source of slow-release urea, whereas Surelease is an ethyl cellulose-coated
urea prepared in the Laboratorio de Farmacotecnia at the Metropolitan Autonomous
University. Five Pelibuey lambs cannulated in the rumen and duodenum (24.8 +/-
0.4 kg BW) were used in a Latin Square design. Lambs were fed a basal diet that
consisted of Brachiaria brizantha hay and concentrate (ratio 67:33) with the
following treatments: (1) feed-grade urea; (2) Surelease-coated urea (SRU-S);
(3) SRU-S + molasses; (4) SRU Optigen (OPT); and (5) OPT+ molasses. All sources
of urea were dosed daily intra-ruminally (0.6 g/kg/BW), and molasses was fed at
1.2 g/kg BW. Compared to feed-grade urea, both sources of SRU decreased ruminal
pH between 3 and 6 h after dosing (P < 0.05). At 3 and 9 h after dosing and
at 15 and 21 h, both sources of slow-release urea reduced the rumen ammonia
compared to urea (P < 0.05). The two sources of slow-release urea did not
improve the total tract or rumen digestibility of dry matter (DM) and neutral
detergent fiber (NDF) or the rate of microbial protein synthesis in growing
lambs fed low quality forage.

Resumen: Among papilionoid legumes known to express the
phenotype of quinolizidine alkaloid production, only Dermatophyllum occurs outside
of the genistoid clade in phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequence data. Analysis
of the foliar flavonoid glycosides of Dermatophyllum and possibly related
clades, by liquid chromatography-UV spectrophotometry-mass spectrometry,
revealed that taxa sampled from Dermatophyllum, Amphimas and the Cladrastis,
lecointeoid and vataireoid clades contained mostly flavonol O-glycosides
whereas taxa sampled from early-branching genistoid clades, the Andira clade
and Aldina contained mostly flavone C-glycosides. Furthermore, leaves of
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum and Dermatophyllum arizonicum contained, as their
main flavonoids, two highly glycosylated flavonols: kaempferol 3-O-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl(1
-> 2)[alpha-rhamnopyranosyl(1 -> 6)]-beta-galactopyranoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside
and its quercetin analogue. These compounds also occurred in Cladrastis
kentukea, Styphnolobium japonicum and Paeringia montana in the Cladrastis
clade, Uribea tamarindoides and some samples of Zollernia in the lecointeoid clade,
and in Amphimas pterocarpoides (another genus of uncertain relationships). The
alkaloid and flavonoid phenotypes f
Dermatophyllum each suggest affinities to different groups a conflict which is accommodated
by the current phylogenetic hypothesis, based on molecular data, that the genus
is a possible sister to the genistoid clade but not a member of it.

Referencia bibliográfica:19 de 40

Título: Crecimiento de plántulas de dos especies de mezcal en función del
tipo de suelo y nivel de fertilización; Seedling growth of two mezcal species
as affected by soil type and fertilization rate.

Abstract: Effect of fertilization in agaves at the
Mixteca region has not been assessed, even though they are utilized for mezcal
production. In this study, seedling growth of two species (Agave angustifolia
Haw. and A. potatorum Zucc.) cultivated under greenhouse conditions in three
soil types (Acatlima, Miltepec and Yodoyuxi soils) combined with four fertilization
rates (0-0-0, 30-20-15, 60-40-30 and 90-60-45 kg of N-P-K ha(-1)), was
evaluated. A factorial arrangement 2 x 3 x 4 with 24 treatments and four
replicates and 96 experimental units (plants) were distributed in a completely
random design. Plant height and diameter, number of unfolded leaves, and dry
biomass (BS) were measured 7 months after germination. Analyses of variance and
Tukey tests (alpha = 0.05) were carried out for means comparison. It was found
that the soil of Miltepec allowed agave plantlets to generate 300 and 220 %
more BS than the Acatlima or Yodoyuxi soils, respectively. Seedlings fertilized
with 30-20-15 kg de N-P-K ha(-1) yielded 58.3 % more BS than seedlings without
fertilization. Interactions between main factors had not any important
contribution on agave growth. It is concluded that plantlet growth and yield of
A. angustifolia and A. potatorum were promoted by the soil of Miltepec and by
fertilization with 30-20-15 kg of N-P-K ha(-1).

Abstract: Fagus grandifolia Ehrh. subsp. mexicana
(Martinez) E. Murray grows in isolated populations at Sierra Madre Oriental in
Mexico. Seven populations of this species were sampled to determine
alloenzymatic variation in vegetative buds. A total of ten loci were analyzed
on eight enzymatic systems, and 26 alleles were observed. The percentage of polymorphic
loci was 62.9% in average among populations, and the number of alleles per
locus was 1.9. Expected and observed heterozygosity were 0.202 and 0.253,
respectively. Wright's F-ST (0.57) showed moderate genetic differentiation. The
gene flow rate (Nem) was 5.26 individuals for generation. Nei's genetic
distances ranged from 0.001 to 0.027 (average 0.012). Population density ranged
from 251 to 416 trees ha(-1) in Agua Fria and in the summit of Acatlan Volcano,
respectively. A total number of 45 533 adult trees were estimated in the seven
populations of F. gradifolia subsp. mexicana. The largest number of trees (14
903) was found at La Mojonera while the shortest one (250) was found at the summit
of the Acatlan Volcano. No correlation was found between parameters of genetic
diversity and the size and density of populations. Allozyme variation found in
the populations of F. grandifolia subsp. mexicana was moderate.

Referencia bibliográfica:21 de 40

Título: Relationship
between carbohydrates and vitality in urban trees

Abstract: Carbohydrate content, a product of
photosynthesis, varies depending on the environmental conditions and
phenological stages of urban trees. Because carbohydrate partitioning is
governed by source-sink relationships, carbohydrate reserves are important to
face stressful conditions. Research in England and the United States has shown
that the application of carbohydrates as a soil drench improves urban tree vitality;
however, trunk injections should be considered as an alternative method because
absorption via the soil drench method may be lower due to microbial activity in
the soil. Tree vitality is determined based on different variables such as
growth, carbohydrate content and chlorophyll fluorescence. This paper presents
a literature review of information describing the relationship between sugars
and vitality in urban trees.

Abstract: Understanding ecosystem processes from a
functional point of view is essential to study relationships among climate
variability, biogeochemical cycles, and surface-atmosphere interactions.
Increasingly during the last decades, the eddy covariance (EC) method has been applied
in terrestrial, marine and urban ecosystems to quantify fluxes of greenhouse
gases (e. g., CO2, H2O) and energy (e.g., sensible and latent heat). Networks
of EC systems have been established in different regions and have provided
scientific information that has been used for designing environmental and
adaptation policies. In this context, this article outlines the conceptual and
technical framework for the establishment of an EC regional network (i.e.,
MexFlux) to measure the surface-atmosphere exchange of heat and greenhouse
gases in Mexico. The goal of the network is to improve our understanding of how
climate variability and environmental change influence the dynamics of Mexican ecosystems.
First, we discuss the relevance of CO2 and water vapor exchange between
terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. Second, we briefly describe the EC
basis and present examples of measurements in terrestrial and urban ecosystems
of Mexico. Finally, we describe the conceptual and operational goals at short-,
medium-, and long-term scales for continuity of the MexFlux network.

Resumen: Lepidopteran erebid Zale phaeograpta (Hampson)
has recently been found feeding on blackberry leaves (Rubus sp., cultivar
'Tupi') in two sites of Michoacan, Mexico. The life cycle and several life
parameters of this insect, including parasitism, were examined in the
laboratory. The egg, larva (seven instars), prepupa, pupa, and adult stages
lasted 4.1, 35.9, 3.1, 14.5, and 29.1 d, respectively. Eggs are turquoise blue.
The prolegs of first-instar larvae have an enlarged dark area that runs laterally.
From second instar onwards, a whitish longitudinal dorsal band is observed
along the entire body. Third-instar larvae wear a pair of dorsal protuberances
in abdominal segment VIII. The fourth-and fifth-instar larvae are cream-colored,
whereas sixth instars are entirely creamy. Pupa is covered with a waxy bloom.
The apical margin of the forewings in males has two silvery bands, whereas in
females, a dark band is present. Female and male pupae had the same weight (0.5
g) and measured 2.21 and 2.25 cm, respectively. The adult sex ratio of females to
males was 1.1:1. The cumulative number of eggs laid by female during her
lifetime was 281, with preoviposition and oviposition periods of 9.9 and 7.3 d,
respectively. Maximum oviposition occurred 3.9 d after the start of oviposition
(87.7 eggs per female). Larvae of Z. phaeograpta were parasitized by
Microplitis sp. (Braconidae) (33%) and a currently unidentified Ichneumonidae
species (9%), and pupae were parasitized by Brachymeria comitator (Walker) and
another unidentified Brachymeria sp. (Chalcididae).

Resumen: Background: Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is among
the earliest domesticated crops from the Near East. Today this legume is a key
protein feed and food worldwide and continues to serve an important role in
culinary traditions throughout Middle East, Mediterranean region, China and Ethiopia.
Adapted to a wide range of soil types, the main faba bean breeding objectives
are to improve yield, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, seed quality
and other agronomic traits. Genomic approaches aimed at enhancing faba bean
breeding programs require high-quality genetic linkage maps to facilitate
quantitative trait locus analysis and gene tagging for use in a marker-assisted
selection. The objective of this study was to construct a reference consensus
map in faba bean by joining the information from the most relevant maps reported
so far in this crop. Results: A combination of two approaches, increasing the
number of anchor loci in diverse mapping populations and joining the
corresponding genetic maps, was used to develop a reference consensus map in
faba bean. The map was constructed from three main recombinant inbreed populations
derived from four parental lines, incorporates 729 markers and is based on 69
common loci. It spans 4,602 cM with a range from 323 to 1041 loci in six main
linkage groups or chromosomes, and an average marker density of one locus every
6 cM. Locus order is generally well maintained between the consensus map and
the individual maps. Conclusion: We have constructed a reliable and fairly
dense consensus genetic linkage map that will serve as a basis for genomic
approaches in faba bean research and breeding. The core map contains a larger
number of markers than any previous individual map, covers existing gaps and achieves
a wider coverage of the large faba bean genome as a whole. This tool can be
used as a reference resource for studies in different genetic backgrounds, and
provides a framework for transferring genetic information when using different
marker technologies. Combined with syntenic approaches, the consensus map will
increase marker density in selected genomic regions and will be useful for
future faba bean molecular breeding applications.

Abstract: The agave weevil, Scyphophorus acupunctatus
Gyllenhal, is considered the main pest of Agave tequilana Weber var. 'Azul'
(Asparagales: Asparagaceae) in Mexico. In this study, we investigated the
population fluctuations of S. acupunctatus for 19 months using 2 sampling
methods in blue agave fields in Ahualulco and Amatitan, Jalisco, Mexico. We recorded
the direct damage caused by weevils on the sampled agave plants and evaluated
the correlation between the number of S. acupunctatus captured by pheromone
traps and the density of weevils located on plants. In Ahualulco, the highest
agave weevil population density (for all developmental stages) was detected in
Mar 2008, although the peak of trap captures occurred in May 2009. In Amatitan,
the highest agave weevil population density was observed in Apr 2009, and the
highest number of insects was captured in May and Sep 2009. The mean fraction
of necrotic bole tissue caused by the weevils per sampled plant was 75.4 +/-
2.1% and 72.6 +/- 2.0% in Ahualulco and Amatitan, respectively. In Ahualulco,
there was a positive correlation between the number of weevils caught in the
pheromone traps and the number of adult weevils on the plants, whereas the
number of weevils caught by the pheromone traps at Amatitan was positively
correlated with the total number of weevils on the plants. We found that the
sex ratio of weevils recovered from agave plants was approximately 1:1 at both
experimental sites, and this trend did not vary seasonally; conversely, the sex
ratio of captured weevils in pheromone traps was female-biased year-round.

Referencia bibliográfica: 26 de 40

Título: Comadia
redtenbacheri (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) pupal development in the laboratory

Abstract: Wild populations of Comadia redtenbacheri
Hammerschmidt (Lepidoptera: Cossidae), known in its larval stage as the agave
redworm, are gathered intensively for sale and consumption as food. To define
adequate conditions for their pupation in confinement, the effect of handling larvae
during collection, their weight when induced to pupate, substrate type and the
moisture content provided during this stage of development, were evaluated over
2 consecutive yr. These factors were analyzed by logistic regression (PROC
GENMOD, alpha = 0.05), relative to the emergence of adults. The relationship
between larval weight and adult sexual gender was analyzed with a contingency
table. The larvae exhibited adaptation to different substrates used for pupation,
and substrates could be reused. The heavy clay content soil from areas where agaves
grow, mixed with vermiculite (50:50), was the most suitable substrate
(estimated value 0.7304). Moisture had no significant effect on pupation.
Emergence of adults was significantly greater from larvae that had not been
handled roughly as those acquired from commercial venders. According to the
Chi-square test, the capacity to pupate by fifth instar larvae that weighed
0.30 to 0.39 g was not significantly different from that of the sixth and
seventh instars that weighed 0.40 g or more. Males emerged mainly from cocoons
produced by the smallest larvae, while females emerged mainly from cocoons by
heavier larvae.

Resumen: Novel
species of microfungi described in the present study include the following from
South Africa: Camarosporium aloes, Phaeococcomyces aloes and Phoma aloes from
Aloe, C. psoraleae, Diaporthe psoraleae and D. psoraleae-pinnatae from
Psoralea, Colletotrichum euphorbiae from Euphorbia, Coniothyrium prosopidis and
Peyronellaea prosopidis from Prosopis, Diaporthe cassines from Cassine, D.
diospyricola from Diospyros, Diaporthe maytenicola from Maytenus, Harknessia
proteae from Protea, Neofusicoccum ursorum and N. cryptoaustrale from
Eucalyptus, Ochrocladosporium adansoniae from Adansonia, Pilidium
pseudoconcavum from Greyia radlkoferi, Stagonospora pseudopaludosa from
Phragmites and Toxicocladosporium ficiniae from Ficinia. Several species were also described
from Thailand, namely: Chaetopsina pini and C. pinicola from Pinus spp.,
Myrmecridium thailandicum from reed litter, Passalora pseudotithoniae from
Tithonia, Pallidocercospora ventilago from Ventilago, Pyricularia bothriochloae
from Bothriochloa and Sphaerulina rhododendricola from Rhododendron. Novelties
from Spain include Cladophialophora multiseptata, Knufia tsunedae and
Pleuroascus rectipilus from soil and Cyphellophora catalaunica from river
sediments. Species from the USA include Bipolaris drechsleri from Microstegium,
Calonectria blephiliae from Blephilia, Kellermania macrospora (epitype) and K.
pseudoyuccigena from Yucca. Three new species are described from Mexico, namely
neophaeosphaeria agaves and K. agaves from Agave and Phytophthora ipomoeae from
Ipomoea. Other African species include Calonectria mossambicensis from
Eucalyptus (Mozambique), Harzia cameroonensis from an unknown creeper
(Cameroon), Mastigosporella anisophylleae from Anisophyllea (Zambia) and
Teratosphaeria terminaliae from Terminalia (Zimbabwe). Species from Europe
include Auxarthron longi-sporum from forest soil (Portugal), Discosia
pseudoartocreas from Tilia (Austria), Paraconiothyrium polonense and P.
lycopodinum from Lycopodium (Poland) and Stachybotrys oleronensis from Iris
(France). Two species of Chrysosporium are described from Antarctica, namely C.
magnasporum and C. oceanitesii. Finally, Licea xanthospora is described from
Australia, Hypochnicium huinayensis from Chile and Custingophora blanchettei
from Uruguay. Novel genera of Ascomycetes include Neomycosphaerella from
Pseudopentameris macrantha (South Africa), and Paramycosphaerella from
Brachystegia sp. (Zimbabwe). Novel hyphomycete genera include
Pseudocatenomycopsis from Rothmannia (Zambia), Neopseudocercospora from
Terminalia (Zambia) and Neodeightoniella from Phragmites (South Africa), while
Dimorphiopsis from Brachystegia (Zambia) represents a novel coelomycetous
genus. Furthermore, Alanphillipsia is introduced as a new genus in the
Botryosphaeriaceae with four species, A. aloes, A. aloeigena and A. aloetica
from Aloe spp. and A. euphorbiae from Euphorbia sp. (South Africa). A new
combination is also proposed for Brachysporium torulosum Deightoniella black
tip of banana) as Corynespora torulosa. Morphological and culture characteristics
along with ITS DNA barcodes are provided for all taxa.

Referencia bibliográfica: 28 de 40

Título: Interpolation
of Mexican soil properties at a scale of 1:1,000,000

Resumen: Mexico maintains several databases with biotic
or abiotic information that enable large scale-studies (for example, at a resolution
of 1 km(2)); unfortunately, there is no information at this resolution for soil
properties. The goal of this paper was to generate a set of soil variables to
address this absence. We evaluated 4400 soil samples taken on Mexican
territory. The following nine soil properties were evaluated for each sample:
Ca, K, Mg, Na, organic C, organic matter, electrical conductivity, sodium
absorption ratio, and pH. With the use of geostatistical methods, a layer was
generated for each soil property after six different semivariance models were
evaluated. The kriging model (simple, ordinary, or universal) was selected as
the best semivariance method with a 10-fold cross-validation approach. Exponential,
pentaspherical, and spherical models were selected with ordinary and universal
kriging methods to spatially predict the soil properties. Five classes for each
soil map were generated. The nine soil properties were classified primarily as
slightly low or medium according to their distribution throughout Mexican territory.

Resumen: Although tropical forests play a disproportionate
role in regulating global C and N cycles, the impact of elevated N-deposition
on these ecosystems is not well studied. Our goal was to determine whether elevated
N input had an effect on soil C and N cycling in seasonally dry tropical forests
along a precipitation gradient (with mean annual precipitation ranging from 540
mm to 1040 mm). We used a microcosm N-fertilization experiment to explore how
soil C and N dynamics respond to N addition. NO2 fluxes and net
N-mineralization and nitrification rates in soils increased considerably with
mean annual precipitation. In contrast, CO2 fluxes decreased with increased
mean annual precipitation. Organic C concentrations in soil from both the
driest and the wettest forest sites decreased significantly with elevated N
input. However, microbial biomass responded to N enrichment differently across
sites. In soils from the driest site, microbial biomass C and N concentrations declined
significantly with elevated N input. In contrast, in soils from the wettest
site, microbial biomass C and N immobilization increased. Net N-mineralization
and nitrification rates did not respond to elevated N input. In soils from the
driest site, elevated N input resulted in an increase in C and N losses due to
CO2 and N2O fluxes. However, elevated N input to soils from the wettest site
did not consistently affect CO2 and N2O fluxes. In soils from the wettest site,
the main response to N enrichment was an increase only in CO2 fluxes. We
conclude that the reactions of seasonally dry tropical forest soils to
increases in N deposition will vary, depending on the details of the site's
water limitations, which appear as a regulatory mechanism of the N cycle in these
soils.

Abstract: The spatial and temporal distribution of
gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle has been little studied in Mexico.
Previous studies have described periods of higher larval presence, vertical and
horizontal migration in grasslands, and the frequency of adult nematodes; as
well as the effect of pasture trichomes on the migration and survival of Haemonchus
larvae. The aim of this study was to determine the time-space layout and spread
of gastrointestinal nematode larvae on pasture, and to estimate the effect of
ivermectin applied to cattle on the time-dependent abundance of their eggs in a
ranch in Veracruz. To determine the spatio-temporal arrangement, monthly
morning grass samples were obtained from 30 sampling points from July 2008 to
June 2009. Third stage larvae (L-3) from each point were counted, and
aggregation patterns were estimated through variance/mean and negative binomial
K indices. Additionally, the number of eggs per gram in cattle feces was determined,
from samples with (CI) and without ivermectin (SI), using standard techniques.
A total of 20 276L(3) larvae were recovered in the pasture, of which an 80%
corresponded to Haemonchus contortus. The highest nematode density with more
than 5 000L(3)/kgDM was detected in October 2008, and the lowest in February
and March 2009. The L-3 showed an aggregated spatial pattern of varying
intensity throughout the year. The number of eggs in the stool was not reduced
with the ivermectin application to cattle, which suggested a failure of
control. However, the highest parasite loads were observed from July to
November 2008. We concluded that the application of ivermectin was not
effective to control nematodes eggs, and that L-3 populations fluctuated on
pasture for ten months, providing an infection source to grazing animals afterwards.

Resumen: As climate change negotiations progress,
monitoring biomass and carbon stocks is becoming an important part of the
current forest research. Therefore, national governments are interested in
developing forest-monitoring strategies using geospatial technology. Among statistical
methods for mapping biomass, there is a nonparametric approach called k-nearest
neighbor (kNN). We compared four variations of distance metrics of the kNN for
the spatially-explicit estimation of aboveground biomass in a portion of the
Mexican north border of the intertropical zone. Satellite derived, climatic,
and topographic predictor variables were combined with the Mexican National
Forest Inventory (NFI) data to accomplish the purpose. Performance of distance metrics
applied into the kNN algorithm was evaluated using a cross validation
leave-one-out technique. The results indicate that the Most Similar Neighbor
(MSN) approach maximizes the correlation between predictor and response
variables (r=0.9). Our results are in agreement with those reported in the
literature. These findings confirm the predictive potential of the MSN approach
for mapping forest variables at pixel level under the policy of Reducing Emission
from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).

Referencia bibliográfica: 33 de 40

Título: A new species of Tamarixia Mercet (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae),
parasitoid of Trioza aguacate Hollis & Martin (Hemiptera, Triozidae) in
Mexico

Resumen: Tamarixia aguacatensis Yefremova, sp. n.
(Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae) is described from Mexico as a
parasitoid of the avocado psyllid, Trioza aguacate Hollis & Martin
(Hemiptera: Triozidae). Trioza aguacate is a serious pest of avocado, Persea
americana Miller. A key to the species of Tamarixia Mercet in Mexico is given.

Abstract: The content of phytochemicals associated with
the antioxidant activity of the fruits of species of hawthorn (Crataegus spp.;
Rosacea) located in Mexico is unknown. The objective of the present study was
to evaluate the content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamin C and the antioxidant
activity in a selection of Mexican hawthorn species. A quantification was made
of total phenols, flavonoids and vitamin C (expressed on mg of phenol,
quercetin and ascorbic acid per 100 g of fresh weight, respectively), in 10 g
of fruits selected from each genotype; a total of 20 genotypes were sampled,
these located in the germplasm bank of the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo,
Mexico. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH method, expressed as
mean inhibitory concentration (IC50). Content of total phenols, flavonoids and
vitamin C cannot be associated with the origin and species of the samples. Some
genotypes from the state of Chiapas could be considered to have a higher
potential for commercial use and consumption due to their nutraceutical
quality. Most of the fruits of the 20 genotypes of hawthorn presented a content
of phenolic compounds higher than that described for other fruits (lychee
fruits, peaches and strawberries); these nutraceutical characteristics provide
an added value to the fruit.

Referencia bibliográfica: 35 de 40

Título: Distribución espacial de la riqueza de especies de plantas
vasculares en México; Spatial distribution of species richness of vascular
plants in Mexico

Abstract: In many fields of biology, information on
species richness and geographic distribution is essential for decision-making.
However, Mexico as many other countries does not has this information at
national level; therefore we consider important to generate information about
of the distribution of species richness both known and estimated at national
level. In order to fulfill this objective and through the use of 2
geostatistical techniques (Kriging universal and Co-Kriging), we performed the
spatial prediction of species richness from information contained in cells of 1
degrees x 1 degrees. Results showed the occurrence of areas in Mexico with
richness varying from 20 to 3 800 species. The states with the highest number
of species are Chiapas, Guerrero and Oaxaca. The 2 geostatistical techniques
employed showed to be efficient tools to estimate spatial predictions of
species richness.

Abstract: We report 7 species of mesostigmatid mites
associated to Dendroctonus rhizophagus. Samples were taken in the state of
Chihuahua (June and July 2008-2011). The roots of Pinus arizonica were observed
under the microscope to obtain mites associated to D. rhizophagus and their galleries.
Collection from Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales,
Agricolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP) and Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) were
reviewed. Dendrolaelaps
neocornutus, Macrocheles boudreauxi,
Proctolaelaps hystrix, P. subcorticalis, Trichouropoda ovalis, T. polytricha,
Trichouropoda sp. 2, Lasioseius imitans, and Androlaelaps casalis were found in
galleries and on the insect's body, located mainly on gular zone and ventral
sternites. The species found in the galleries can find a wide availability of
food resources with constant temperature and above all protection from other
predators. With this study the number of species associated to D. rhizophagus
is increased for the state of Chihuahua, and the general distribution of these
mites in Mexico is expanded.

Abstract: The damage caused by the fall armyworm
Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to vegetative-stage maize
cultivated with chemical nitrogen fertilizers, vermicompost, and Carica papaya
L. (Caricaceae) seed extract was estimated. Each shoot was infested with one
first instar larva of S. frugiperda. The variables measured included the
percentage of germination, length of the second and fifth leaves, stem diameter
and plant height, and the estimation of damage caused by S. frugiperda larvae
on maize. The results indicated that vermicompost helped seed germination on a
relation 3:1 from black soil and vermicompost, the emergence was 100%, while
the emergence with black soil was 80%. The ammonium sulfate increased the
length of the second and fifth leaves 89.6% and 160.4% respectively, augmented
the stem diameter and the plant height 290.2% and 13.3% respectively, respect
to water treatment. The exogenous nitrogen sources stimulate S. frugiperda to
cause more damage to the plant, the treatment urea showed 70% of damage, with
phosphonitrate 62.3% and with ammonium sulfate 51.8%, when were evaluated
without aqueous seed extract of C. papaya. Ammonium sulfate + aqueous extract
of C. papaya seeds showed the lowest insect damage to maize with 29.6%.

Referencia bibliográfica:38 de 40

Título: Influence
of climatic conditions, topography and soil attributes on the spatial
distribution of site productivity index of the species rich forests of Jalisco,
México

Resumen: This paper presents an approach based on field
data to model the spatial distribution of the site productivity index (SPI) of
the diverse forest types in Jalisco, Mexico and the response in SPI to site and
climatic conditions. A linear regression model was constructed to test the hypothesis
that site and climate variables can be used to predict the SPI of the major
forest types in Jalisco. SPI varied significantly with topography (elevation,
aspect and slope), soil attributes (pH, sand and silt), climate (temperature
and precipitation zones) and forest type. The most important variable in the
model was forest type, which accounted for 35% of the variability in SPI.
Temperature and precipitation accounted for 8 to 9% of the variability in SPI
while the soil attributes accounted for less than 4% of the variability
observed in SPI. No significant differences were detected between the observed and
predicted SPI for the individual forest types. The linear regression model was
used to develop maps of the spatial variability ha predicted SPI for the
individual forest types in the state. The spatial site productivity models
developed in this study provides a basis for understanding the complex
relationship that exists between forest productivity and site and climatic
conditions in the state. Findings of this study will assist resource managers
in making cost-effective decisions about the management of individual forest
types in the state of Jalisco, Mexico.

Abstract: The effects of vermicompost tea and effluent
were compared to Steiner nutrient solution on three plant species in a NFT
hydroponic system. The experiment was conducted in Montecillo, Texcoco, State
of Mexico, in a tunnel-type greenhouse, from May to August 2012. The species
and cultivars used were: basil (Ocimum basilicum L) cv Minimum, coriander
(Coriandrum sativum L.) cv Caribe, and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cv Escala.
The mineral nutrient solution had a significant effect on height, stem
diameter, SPAD readings, leaf area, root, stem and leaf dry weight and total
plant biomass. Vermicompost tea favored the growth of basil and lettuce in a
similar way to the mineral solution, obtaining with both treatments the best
results for the two plants in height, stem diameter, leaf area, stem dry weight
and leaf dry weight; the best root dry weight (1.403g) and total biomass
(3013g) was recorded with tea. In coriander plants, the best growth occurred in
those in which the nutrition was with the application of the tea, while the
effluent recorded low values in the three crops. For lettuce with tea, the
highest total biomass (7.219g) and SPAD readings (28.10) were obtained, while
the other variables were statistically equal to those of the Steiner solution.
Vermicompost tea proved to be a sufficient nutrient source for the growth of
the species analyzed, and is thus recommended as an alternative production
method in hydroponic systems.

Abstract: The effect of the inoculation of
growth-promoting bacteria on melon plants grown under greenhouse conditions was
measured. Using five different strains of rhizobacteria and a control, six
treatments were established in a randomized design with eight replications. In
the first stage, the bacteria Ochrobactrum anthropi (strain 208),
Microbacterium sp. (strain N50), Bacillus cereus (strain NI98), Pseudomonas
fluorescens (strain 4) and Sphingomonas sp. (strain 170) were inoculated in
melon cv Ovation seedlings growing in sterile peat moss. At 30 days after
inoculation, the seedlings were transplanted into 20lit pots with tezontle as
substrate and drop irrigation with Steiner’s nutrient solution. When the plants
presented 50% flowering, relative chlorophyll content (SPAD units),
indolebutyric (IBA) and indoleacetic (IAA) acids were determined using. At
harvest, plant height, stem diameter, number and average weight of fruits per plant,
and root and foliage dry weight were evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis
of variance, comparison of means using the Tukey test (alpha=0.05) and
correlation between variables. Inoculation did not increase relative
chlorophyll content, but plant height increased by up to 50.4% when Bacillus
cereus (N198) was applied. With Pseudomonas fluorescens plants showed the
highest weight per fruit (891g) and the highest concentration of IAA (6.05 mu
g.g(-1)). Root dry weighi increased by 38-60% and nitrogen and sodium
concentrations in foliage increased with the addition of bacteria. The use of
growth-promoting bacteria in hydroponic melon production is an alternative to
promote crop development.